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The Red Sea has one of the world’s most diverse marine ecosystems, with more than 1,000 different species of fish and around 350 coral species, almost 15% of which are unique to this region. It does not come as a surprise that approximately 80% of inbound and local travelers in Egypt target the Red Sea region, with Sharm El Sheikh being one of the most popular tourist destinations.
Marine activities are highly sought after in Sharm El Sheikh due to this exceptional diversity in fish and coral species. Recognizing the importance of these marine resources, the city of Sharm El Sheikh developed a management plan for marine activities, which included mapping of marine species and habitats to evaluate the condition of marine activity sites. To minimize the impacts of marine activities, a waste management system for marinas was also developed.
The desert ecosystem in Sharm El Sheikh is just as fascinating as its marine life. You can experience this yourself by visiting the nearby Protected Areas. Three of the five Protected Areas in South Sinai are only a short drive away from Sharm El Sheikh, namely Ras Muhammad Protected Area, Nabq Protected Area, and Abu Galum Protected Area. There you can enjoy nature-based and ecotourism activities such as hiking, stargazing, birdwatching, diving and watersports, and meditating, while getting to know the culture of the local communities living in and around these Protected Areas.
If you’re a birdwatching enthusiast, you should know that Ras Muhammad Protected Area and the Nabq Protected Areas are designated as Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas by BirdLife International, as part of a network of sites that are critical for the long-term survival of bird species, and other forms of wildlife.
